Get The Beatnik Look With Slim Black Jeans & Parisienne Touches

Beatnik style: Breton stripes, headscarf & black skinny jeans

Black and white stripes, black skinnies, ballet pumps and bongos… oh là là I’ve gone all Beatnik style on you.

There couldn’t be a more simple (and stylish) look to emulate than the look which is beautifully summed up in this clip of Audrey Hepburn dancing in the movie Funny Face – gotta love her.

So when Wallis asked me to review a pair of jeans from their 216 Denim Collection, I went for the Black Slim Leg Jeans, which I specifically chose for two reasons: 1. I’ve been hankering after dresses worn over jeans a lot lately, so I thought the flat front and zip on the side would be perfect for creating a smooth silhouette, and 2. My ballet pumps have been crying out for the perfect pair of fitted black jeans just to get the Beatnik look for ages. And I’m pleased to say they fitted like a dream! Comfy with plenty of stretch, no gaping on the waist and beautifully smooth for layering. The rest of the outfit was easy: Ray-Bans, Breton stripes, a vintage head scarf and bongos (which I’m learning to play. Slowly).

I have to mention the beautiful vintage scarf: this was a birthday present – see the pictures below for what the pattern looks like. How appropriate that the Eiffel Tower is on it, considering I think Beatnik style is just so French, mes chéris! If you want to get an Eiffel Tower scarf similar to mine, click here for ones you can buy on Etsy, there’s some real vintage beauties there.

It may not look like it, but I was actually playing (probably badly) the bongos when the photos were taken… it’s something that I’ve always, always, wanted to learn to do. Not really a bucket list thing, just more of a hankering to learn a new skill that would surprise people. How about you – any weird and wonderful new skills you’re hankering to acquire?  Do share them in the comments!

Beatnik style: Breton stripes, headscarf & black skinny jeans
Beatnik style: Breton stripes, headscarf & black skinny jeans
Beatnik style: Breton stripes, headscarf & black skinny jeans
Skinny black jeans, Breton stripes & ballet pumps
RayBan Wayfarers, headscarf & Breton stripes
Vintage Cacharel Eiffel Tower silk scarf

Scarf: Vintage* (Magpie & Bear), Top: Asos, Jeans*: Wallis, Ballet pumps: Debenhams, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Gold rings: Asos, Bongos: from Keith

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28 Comments

  1. 11 September 2013 / 10:02 pm

    Very chic!

  2. 8 September 2013 / 8:33 pm

    Lovely outfit, love your scarf 🙂

    Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays, featuring and pinning this week at the hop…

  3. 8 September 2013 / 6:57 pm

    Love this outfit especially the head scarf….You look so pretty!
    I am your newest follower.

    Have a beautiful sunday afternoon!

    Ellya
    @CuriositaEllya

  4. 5 September 2013 / 12:01 am

    You are too cute! Love that scarf!

  5. 4 September 2013 / 3:16 am

    So gorgeous! And as I saw the first pic, I immediately thought of Audrey Hepburn in 'Funny Face' — and then that's what you mentioned in the first paragraph! Mission accomplished, I'd say! 😀

    Jen @ Librarian for Life & Style

  6. 2 September 2013 / 10:56 am

    Cathrine, that's such a lovely look! The skinny trousers are indeed ideal with tunics too. Gorgeous photos as always.
    Now I want one of these scarves!!

    Annette | Lady of Style

  7. 1 September 2013 / 5:26 pm

    love that outfit and that scarf is so lovely

  8. 1 September 2013 / 11:07 am

    Great look, love how your wearing the scarf, it's a gorgeous one!

  9. 1 September 2013 / 10:46 am

    Rats.. I forwarded a comment and it did not go through… Again then.
    You look lovely in this outfit. I cannot copy it as you have hips and I don't. I would look like a stick in this outfit.
    And wearing a scarf like that with my thin and short hair looks ridiculous. Believe me, I have tried.
    As for hankering for a skill…. I would love to speak French and Italian like I speak English. Not perfect, but good enough to have a real conversation.

    • 1 September 2013 / 7:58 pm

      Don't forget Audrey didn't have any hips, Greetje – but oh boy did she look great in this look! But it's all about how you feel, isn't it 🙂 And yes – languages are a brilliant thing to master. Your English puts most Brits' English to shame!! x

  10. 1 September 2013 / 4:15 am

    Holy Moly! I LOVE this look- so classic, so very Audrey!

  11. 1 September 2013 / 1:10 am

    Fun idea for a post, love this outfit!

    blue hue wonderland

  12. 1 September 2013 / 12:13 am

    that shirt is the EXACT shirt I've been looking for, but I can't find a style like it ANYWHERE. I'm so sad to see that it's older 🙁

  13. 31 August 2013 / 5:35 pm

    I always look so silly in a scarf headband, but you look AMAZING! Totally rocking that Beatnik look with perfection!

    <3 The Daily Dani

    • 1 September 2013 / 7:59 pm

      Aww Dani thank you, YOU'RE amazing for saying so!! xx

  14. 31 August 2013 / 4:34 pm

    This is one of my favorite looks, for all time. Fabulous scarf!

  15. 31 August 2013 / 3:12 pm

    Bangin' Baby! …I couldn't help myself, when a pun pops in my head there's no going back sometimes. :o)

    Fiddle, I've always wanted to learn to fiddle. I now have one now, so maybe someday. :o)

    http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

    • 1 September 2013 / 7:56 pm

      Oooh the fiddle, eh? That IS a great instrument to want to play (more fun than the violin!!) x

  16. 31 August 2013 / 3:10 pm

    LOVE this. Love everything. The jeans, the flats, the top, the scarf, I am in love with this chic look!

  17. 31 August 2013 / 1:47 pm

    Great scarf! Love this look and how cool that you have bongos.

  18. 31 August 2013 / 12:27 pm

    As soon as I saw the first picture, I was thinking about Audrey! Such a fun, chic, laid back look! And I love how you tied that scarf!

    April

    • 1 September 2013 / 7:55 pm

      I love that you thought Audrey straight away! Thanks April x

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